Bagels
The new wave of viral bagels has crashed the scene over the last couple of years. Apollo, Utopia, and Popup Bagels. Popup is known for its smears and recently raised venture capital after going viral. Leon's is the smaller, denser, opinion-having version.
Ess-a-Bagel is the old classic I grew up on. It feels almost under the radar now given everything else.
Apollo Bagels
Apollo is the new-wave bagel that defined the genre. Sourdough-based, dense, hand-rolled. The flagship is a tiny East Village shop with a line on weekends. The smear program is the move: cream cheeses run from miso-yuzu to bacon-jam. Recently went viral and raised venture capital. Get one with everything.
Must order: Everything bagel with scallion smear, The BLT sandwich, Whatever the seasonal smear is
Utopia Bagels
Bustling mainstay for fresh New York-style bagels & deli sandwiches in a compact, simple space.
Popup Bagels
Tribeca bagel shop famous for its pillowy, chewy bagels with creative cream cheese spreads.
Leon's Bagels
Bagels, schmears, coffee & breakfast sandwiches from a no-nonsense take-out window.
Ess-a-Bagel
Bustling kosher cafe for bagels sandwiches with many cream cheeses & meats, plus soups & salads.
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